Clinics Eligible For Federal Aid To Help Uninsured

A federal agency is offering about $2 million to health clinics in New Mexico to help uninsured residents obtain medical coverage.

The Health and Human Services Department said Thursday that said 15 community health centers were eligible to apply for the funding (http://1.usa.gov/10l9e6P).

The clinics are in communities ranging from Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe to Lordsburg, Hatch and Portales.

Agency officials say the money can be used to hire or train staff, conduct educational programs to help people understand their options for insurance coverage under a federal health care overhaul and assist them in enrolling in medical plans.

New Mexico is expanding Medicaid to offer health care to more low-income residents and establishing a state-run exchange for the uninsured to shop for insurance plans.